Tag: suspense

This Chick Read: Mind Games by Nora Roberts

Every June, the Foxes drive up into the Appalachian mountains to drop their two children off with their Grammie. This year, as they head back down the mountain, they don’t realize it’s the last time they’ll see their children. When twelve year old Thea goes to sleep that night she dreams of their murders back home in Philadelphia and through that special kind of sight, connects with the killer. It’s her vision that puts him away in a maximum security prison for the rest of his life, but through that connection he continues to haunt her until she figures out a way to stop it.

Nora Roberts is the queen of many romantic subgenres and romantic suspense is one of my favorites. She writes great characters and her settings span the entire country. Mind Games takes place in the Appalachian mountains, which are pretty close to where I live and have driven through many times. I loved the vibe of that setting and how the evil that haunted Thea jarred with that easy country living and created this jarring note every time he entered the scene. Ms. Roberts always sets the tone so well.

I enjoyed all of the characters that made up Thea’s family and friends. The love story aspect of the book happened a little too late, to my taste, and the childhood trauma a little too long. I had wished that a little more time was spent in the current time but understand why the author chose to build upon Thea’s early childhood and build the suspense that would carry through to adulthood. I still wish we had gotten a little more romance and a little less evil prisoner.

I have read so many Nora Roberts novels and I have strong opinions about what makes a good NR story and when they are just average. I think this one falls kind of in between. Mind Games reminds me of some of her earlier novels where they feel a little less fleshed out. I still enjoyed it but it’s not one of my favorites. ❤️❤️❤️❣️

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review and it was honest.

Click this link to purchase this book!* Mind Games

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This Chick Read: There Should Have Been Eight by Nalini Singh

Nine years ago they lost one of their own. Now, the remaining seven friends meet up at Bea’s home in the mountains for a weekend of regaining their friendship and reminiscing about the past. Only someone is playing cruel tricks on the guests and when they get snowed in, those eerie pranks turn dangerous.

Nalini Singh is famous for her romantic fantasy novels but this is her second foray into the mystery genre. It hit all of the thriller/mystery notes. Eerie mansion in the mountains, mysterious death of their friend Bea, the psychological unwinding of her sister Darcie, romantic entanglements, and yes, even death. Unlike Ms. Singh’s first foray into the genre, this novel moved at a quicker pace. The main protagonist, Luna is the sleuth the reader relies on to take them through the plot and we see each action through her eyes. However, Luna is also suffering from a disease that is taking away her eyesight so she doesn’t trust some of the things she is seeing. Her suffering causing her to hallucinate or at least cause some mental hijinks that gives this story an even more eerie feel.

There were so many relationship entanglements that at first I had trouble keeping up. As I turned the pages those entanglements became a bit more clear and I was able to focus solely on the plot and not who did what with whom nine years ago making it easier to get wrapped up in the eeriness of the setting and the thriller dynamics that were in play. This was truly a fun book to read and had the feel of an old Nancy Drew mystery, although our heroine was a bit older and wasn’t quite so wholesome.

I think fan’s of Nalini Singh’s other novels would feel very satisfied with the change in genre’s and the cast of characters. This was a really interesting read that held my attention through every page. I’ll admit that I did guess the mystery but it took me a little bit to do that and I enjoyed the process of eliminating my suspects. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review and it was honest!

Click this link to purchase this book!* There Should Have Been Eight

Copyright 2023 The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

*Amazon Associate- if you purchase this book through the above link I’ll receive a small stipend.

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This Chick Read: Uncharted (Survival Instincts #2) by Adriana Anders

Hot-shot pilot Leo Eddowes is asked to evacuate a man from the wilds of Alaska and eagerly jumps at the chance, despite some bad guys on her tail. Crash landing near his cabin, Leo realizes that she was led astray for the man she’s rescuing is non other than most wanted ex-agent Elias Thorne. Needing to rely on each other to survive they help each other outwit and out-survive the men who want to find them… dead or alive. While on the run Leo finds that Elias isn’t the dangerous man she’s been led to believe and she’s determined to help him rebuild the life he’d left behind. As soon as they get out of the Alaska wilderness.

It’s been a couple of years since I read the first novel in this series but what I did remember is how fast-paced the story was, and how each chapter held my interest. Uncharted was no different. It started off with a plane crash and even as our two main characters were getting to know each other they were doing it while running for their lives. Leo was a really great character. Not only was she a great pilot but she had a lot of hidden depths that were revealed as the novel moved along. Despite her own fears she had so much empathy for Elias that she let her emotions take over and went with her gut in allowing herself to develop feelings for him.

Elias surprised me as well. He had been living by himself for the last decade and had pretty much lost his way, living inside his own head about all that had gone wrong in his past. He saw Leo as too good to be true, but he didn’t fight his feelings very hard either and let the mountain man take charge. He was going to get her out of the wilderness even if it killed him. I loved how the two of them connected emotionally and just totally went for it. The danger of the moment pushed them a bit and probably because of that it didn’t seem too far-fetched.

Uncharted was a fun book to read. I really loved how they fought their enemies, feelings, and their environment and despite the danger you just knew they were going to come out on top. If you have not read Whiteout, the first novel in the series you don’t need to although the underlining story crosses through both books. I think you can get the gist by reading this novel as a standalone. However, Whiteout was really good too so if you have the time pick it up first. I promise that the time will fly by while you read these books! The stories are action-filled and the characters full of a passion for life and for each other. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley and the publisher for my honest review and it was honest!

Click this link to purchase this book!* Uncharted: A Scorching Hot Forced Proximity Romance (Survival Instincts, 2)

Copyright 2021 The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

*Amazon Associate- if you purchase this book through the above link I’ll receive a small stipend.

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This Chick Read: A Madness of Sunshine by Nalini Singh

What makes a woman who writes paranormal romances switch genre’s and try her hand at a mystery? I really don’t know but I was curious enough to pick up her novel and take a look at the back cover. There were a couple of things that jumped out and made it sound interesting. The mystery takes place in New Zealand and the synopsis made it sound different than other novels I’d read lately. As I started reading I found myself amazed that this was the same author who I’d read in the past. The pace was slow and deliberate, and whereas the two main characters were a man and a woman, this was not a love story.

After the sudden death of her husband, Anahera moves back to her hometown and a childhood friend, Miriama, immediately goes missing. As she gets to know her old friends again she starts to wonder if the long ago case of some missing hikers is connected to her friends disappearance. As police officer, Will and Ana investigate they uncover secrets that had been buried for years and Ana realizes that someone she knows may be a killer.

Lately, my tastes have run towards reading mysteries. More of a whodunnit kind of reader, A Madness of Sunshine was right up my alley. I enjoyed getting a feel for a country I don’t really know that much about, and loved the atmospheric outback feeling the character’s names and scenery provided. Despite the slow pace it held my interest and I couldn’t help but like the two very flawed main protagonists and the mystery they were solving.

Is this the start of a new series by Nalini Singh? I don’t want her to quit writing romances but I hope so, or at least I hope that she’s found a genre she enjoys writing and can continue to throw me a bone every year or two. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Opinions from around the Blogosphere

“The complex mystery, vivid characters and a homecoming story with a twist make A Madness of Sunshine fresh, gritty, and real.  I am very happy Nalini Singh has decided to branch out in this new direction.” Whiskey With My Book

“I think that if you are a thriller fan who isn’t used to a mix of other genres, “A Madness of Sunshine” may not satisfy your reading itch. But if you are going in with the expectation of a little bit of romance and angst, it might be a pretty good fit!” The Library Ladies

Click this link to purchase!* A Madness of Sunshine

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*Amazon Associate- I’ll receive a very small reward if you purchase through the above link.

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This Chick Read: Rituals (Cainsville #5) by Kelley Armstrong

The final book in the wonderfully weird and paranormally powerful Cainsville series. I couldn’t wait to read it! Olivia Taylor Jones and her boyfriend Ricky broke up at the end of the previous novel because she had feelings she needed to explore with Gabriel. Sounds pretty normal, right? Well, in this series, Olivia, Ricky and Gabriel are re-living the lives of Matilda, Arwyn and Gwynn a love triangle that ended tragically.  Having learned their story, the three of them are determined that they are going to do things differently, with their love and friendship, most improtantly for them to avoid the tragic ending.  Of course, there is another evil force that is blocking their path to happiness. Will they be able to conquer evil and live their happily ever after?

Finally! I have been waiting for Olivia to give Gabriel a chance. Yes, he’s broody, kind of odd and anti social. But he’s also sweet, strong and overbearing. Did I say overbearing was a good thing? Not necessarily, but in his case it is ok. Ricky’s new role as friend, rankles him a bit, which isn’t a surprise. However, he stepped aside gracefully which made me like him more than I already did. He saw the writing on the wall and stepped aside.  The fact there is love and respect between all three of them is something we can all learn something from in our own often tumultuous relationships. I love these three! I love them even more when they are fighting evil together.

I was sorry to see the ending to this series. It’s quickly become one of my favorites just as Kelly Armstrong is one of my favorite authors. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️


Click this link to purchase!  Rituals: The Cainsville Series

Copyrigh 2017 Deborah Kehoe The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

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This Chick Read: Take Me Back by Meghan March

Read at your own Risk-slight spoilers ahead.

I have never read a Meghan March novel and didn’t quite know what to expect. The synopsis sounded like your typical second chance romance. They meet on a beach vacation, fall in love and get married. After their marriage the communication stops and they are barely speaking to each other anymore. They make one last ditch effort and go on another beach vacation in the tropics. They are re-kindling the romance and then this second chance romance story becomes a romantic suspense novel. WHAT?!!!  I was totally blindsided! In a great way!

Second chance romances are not my favorite, but I am a HUGE fan of romantic suspense novels and this one captured my attention, lock, stock and gun barrels!

Part of the fun with this novel was the fact that I was completely snookered! I mean, I thought it was turning into a swinger book or something, and i was starting to get really uncomfortable. (Blushing while writing) Swingers, threesomes, bondage, etc. are not really my thing, so thank god I was completely wrong! Our heroine in peril, struggles to find her inner Rambo, and was failing horribly at that, when our hero turns into hot commando guy and saves the day! Woo-Hoo!

Ok, I didn’t give away the plot, but did give away a little bit of the surprise in this book, because it was that surprise that I enjoyed so much. How could I write a review without revealing a little of my shock and awe?  This book was fun, and a light read. No heavy lifting needed. The perfect vacation book, unless you’re taking a beach vacation. You may want to pack a gun, instead of a book! ❤️❤️❤️❣️


Click the link to purchase! Take Me Back

Copyright 2017 Deborah Kehoe The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

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This Chick Read: Run to Ground (K9 Unit #1) by Katie Ruggle #giveaway

(Congrats to the winner of this Giveaway!!)

I have been eagerly anticipating this new novel by Katie Ruggle. In her previous Search and Rescue series I really enjoyed her unique characters and thrilling storylines.  Run to Ground, the first in her new K-9 Unit series did not disappoint. Our heroine Jules Jackson, rescued her siblings from an abusive step parent and skipped town. She’s understandably nervous, expecting cops to break down her door at any minute. So, when Theo, a cop, shows an interest in her she tries to avoid catching his eye. Theo is slightly suspicious of her twitchiness but his inner demons are calmed when she’s around and so he ignores his instincts and doesn’t investigate her too deeply. Theo’s been very depressed since his previous partner committed suicide. He inherits his deceased partner’s K-9, Viggy, who has also been extremely depressed since his death. The two of them are a sad pair but  when Viggy meets Jules’s brothers and sisters he starts acting like a normal dog and Theo is drawn even more into Jules’ orbit.

For a girl who had the balls to steal her siblings away from a bad situation I was a little disappointed that Jules was so timid. It was a little annoying, but the fact that she liked Theo despite those fears, and didn’t try too hard to avoid him helped me get over that annoyance pretty quickly. Her brothers and sister were charming and their interaction with Viggy was so sweet it helped balance Theo’s rather anti social personality. When Jules’ life is in danger, we see both Theo and Viggy in a heroic light, overcoming their fears.

This novel was a little different than her previous books, but I still enjoyed the connection these characters made with each other. If I was disappointed at all it was because it took me a little longer to identify with these characters. However, the book was still filled with action and suspense and made for an enjoyable weekend read. I look forward to her next novel which will continue with Jules’ runaway family storyline as a subplot to our next romantic duo.

❤️❤️❤️❤️

I received an ARC of this book for my honest review, and I was honest.

GIVEAWaY

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Click the link to purchase! Run to Ground (Rocky Mountain K9 Unit)

Copyright 2017 Deborah Kehoe The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

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Release Blitz/Excerpt/Review- This Chick Read: Deadly Silence (Blood Brothers) by Rebecca Zanetti 

Review:

Deadly Silence has an original start. The two main characters, Ryker and Zara, are already in the midst of an affair.  They don’t actually know that much about each other, having declared it a casual relationship. However, Ryker, showing up at Zara’s house for dinner finds her with a bruised face, and all of a sudden, this affair is no longer casual, it gets really serious, really fast. Continue reading “Release Blitz/Excerpt/Review- This Chick Read: Deadly Silence (Blood Brothers) by Rebecca Zanetti “ →

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This Chick Read: All the Wounds in Shadow (The Healing Edge #2) by Anise Eden

All the Wounds in Shadow starts off almost exactly where the first book leaves us.  Cate Duncan has accepted her unusual therapy techniques as paranormal and has joined the MacGregor Group, although she is still in training status.  The MacGregor Group has been called in to help the government solve a mysterious threat by using their unique paranormal talents, and Ben gives Cate the option of joining the team, thinking they may need her abilities.  This mystery puts Ben back together with his old military team, and we get to see a little more details to his character than we had in the previous book, which is a good thing, as he was the straight man to the groups slight craziness in the first book. Continue reading “This Chick Read: All the Wounds in Shadow (The Healing Edge #2) by Anise Eden” →

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This Chick Read: Field of Graves by J.T. Ellison

I celebrated my recent move back to Nashville by reading J.T. Ellison’s new Taylor Jackson novel, which is set in Music City.  If you are a fan of this series, you may have wanted some of the characters background filled in.  In Field of Graves your wish has come true.  This novel is a prequel, so we get some insight into how Taylor and FBI Profiler John Baldwin meet, but also get to follow along as they solve their first murder mystery.  Even though the two of them are the focus of this story, the interaction with the team, as well as Coroner Sam Owens answers questions that have come up in other novels.  Continue reading “This Chick Read: Field of Graves by J.T. Ellison” →

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